I was recently reading J. M. Wallace-Hadrill's 'The Barbarian West: The Early Middle Ages A.D. 400-1000'. On p. 93 he is discussing textual sources for the study of the Merovingian and Carolingian periods, and writes: A word must be said about official sources... Paleography and diplomatic (i.e. the study of the form of official documents) play their part... Among such documents may be distinguished, first, diplomas. They were official instruments, couched in an elaborate form of words and authenticated in several ways, whereby kings made known their gifts and grants to communities or individuals, and did so in what seemed to them the safest and most permanent manner. There are about forty extant Merovingian diplomas, and many more Carolingian. Thus a king may announce the grant of an immunity to a religious house, or a right (e.g. to elect an officer), or a confirmation of existing privileges in diplomatic form on papyrus or parchment. The intention was to impress not just the recipient but also those against whom the repient or his heirs might have to defend their right. Now, here's the part that's of relevance to Degreeinfo: In spite, however, of all precautions, it was not very difficult for medieval scribes to forge diplomas well enough to deceive rivals; and since Charlemagne seemed to the middle ages the most illustrious of the barbarian heroes, he was also the most popular victim of monasteries (e.g. St. Denis) that wanted to father their threatened privileges on to a donor whose name and memory inspired fear. So there are many bogus diplomas...
Wonderful find Bill. Unfortunately, you have provided a new name for degree mill operators though...St Denis. It has a rather familiar ring to it, doesn't it? Cheers, George
